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AJC.com > Legislature > Story
Bill to honor Jane Fonda creates furor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/15/06
Jane Fonda’s name still raises the blood pressure of many Georgia veterans more than 30 years after her famous pose on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun.
So the idea of honoring “Hanoi Janeâ€? for her recent charitable and public service work didn’t go over too well with some members of the Georgia Senate on Wednesday.
Sen. Steen Miles (D-Decatur) introduced a resolution recognizing the two-time Academy Award winning actress for her efforts to help women and children globally, particularly her work as the founder and chairwoman of the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP).
Senate Resolution 1189 seemed to breeze through the Senate without a raising an eyebrow - as do hundreds of honorary and commemorative resolutions each year.
But Sen. John Douglas (R-Covington), a retired Army major and the chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Committee, stood up as the Senate was adjourning and briefly voiced his strong opposition to the resolution. His words provoked a strong response from Miles, who argued that Fonda’s work deserved recognition. She then criticized her fellow lawmakers for not considering enough legislation to help the state’s most vulnerable residents.
“We have been very, very hypocritical when it comes to taking care of the least of these and the lost,â€? Miles said from the Senate well. “We can’t even get a hearing on providing health insurance for all the children of Georgia.â€?
Miles’ speech, however, may have backfired. When she wrapped up, Douglas immediately made a motion for the Senate to reconsider its approval of SR 1189. The Senate will decide on whether to rethink the honorary resolution at 9 a.m. Thursday.
“I think Jane Fonda is less worthy than any living American to be honored by our Senate and the people of Georgia,â€? Douglas said later in the day. “It starts off with her actions during the Vietnam War and it continues today. No amount of good work now will make up for her past actions against the military and our country.â€?
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